The Journey Through Time:
St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 281
Timeline of Our Heritage
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1757 : Original Warrant Issued
St. Johnston Warrant No. 281 was first issued on June 24th, 1757 to Loughrea, Co. Galway. This marks the beginning of our long and storied history in Irish Freemasonry.
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1822 : Warrant Moves to St. Johnston
On October 3rd, 1822, the warrant was transferred to St. Johnston, establishing our presence in the community that continues to this day.
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1838-1897 : Period of Transitions
Our warrant experienced several periods in trust and restoration:
-Placed in trust: September 14th, 1838
-Restored: August 6th, 1874-Sent in again: February 6th, 1895
-Issued once more: March 6th, 1897
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1904-1906 : First Dedicated Hall
-June 1904: Consideration given to building a Masonic Hall at Railway Road (estimated cost: £300-350)
-May 1905: Tender price of £395 accepted and construction commenced
-February 22nd, 1906: The new Hall was dedicated at an Emergent Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge
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1972 : Trial by Fire
On July 13th, 1972, our Hall was destroyed by fire. Thankfully, the Warrant and old Minute Books had been removed for safekeeping by the then Secretary, Wors. Bro. William McKean.
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1972-1976 : Donemana Era
Following the fire, Lodge 281 met in Donemana Hall on the kind invitation of Lodge 256, demonstrating the brotherhood and support within the Masonic community.
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1975-1976 : A New Beginning
-May 15th, 1975: Consideration given to purchasing the vacant School premises
-September 1975: Negotiations completed with the Trustees of the local Presbyterian Church (purchase price: £6,750)
-September 12th, 1976: The present Masonic Hall was Constituted and Dedicated at an Emergent Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge
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2009-2011 : Modernisation & Challenges
The Lodge applied for a grant from the International Fund for Ireland to modernise the Hall and upgrade facilities. During renovations, vandals caused significant damage, necessitating major repairs and security upgrades..
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2011 : Rededication
On October 28th, 2011, the Hall was rededicated by Right Worshipful Brother Robert Quigley, Provincial Grand Master of Londonderry and Donegal, marking a new chapter in our history.
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2013-2014 : "Harry's Room"
-November 18th, 2013: The second hall hosted the Installed Masters' Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal No. 939
-November 28th, 2013: The hall was unanimously named "Harry's Room" in honour of Worshipful Brother Harry Allen-Hamilton
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2017 : International Recognition
On October 26th, 2017, Most Worshipful Brother John Bishop, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alaska, visited Lodge 281 during his trip to Ireland.
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2019-2020 : Continuous Improvement
Under the Chairmanship of Very Worshipful Brother Sam Waterworth, plans were developed to refurbish "Harry's Room," with work scheduled for completion in 2020.